Tuesday, December 25, 2007

When we feel good about development in Gujarat, media always showcase Mr. Modi's Chauvinistic and religious characters, media links him with RSS, Hindutva and communal elements. Why? we expect the same from media! When people in country side are feeling good about Bijli, Sadak, Paani provided to them, media try to give us the sample statistics about how many Muslims and how many Hindus have got the same benefits. It actually try to give us the divided figure which would fuel the anger and hatred feeling of people and jeopardising the secularism. Showing the Godhra episode again and again, broadcasting the aftermath of killing and terrorist attacks without even bothering to sensor the sensitive pictures, showing the undressed video footage of a woman who was raped on the broad day light [source], analysis of same vote bank politics again and again, etc. are igniting the hatred feeling and making people desperate for change in the leadership which may prove to be unhealthy in any democracy. I really don't believe that this 'media crisis' would affect people's verdict in the elections, just because the media glare is simply an urban affair!

Recent Gujarat election has received an unprecedented media hype in the history of Indian politics. Not All would believe that this "Media Politics" is merely an urban affair! When it comes to ground zero, country side India still rules. Bijli, Sadak, Paani formula still works but not alone any more. Mr. Narendra Modi has shown a perfect balance of Nationalism and Chauvinism which worked at nick of the time. I believe citizen of Gujarat have shown exceptional characteristics of modern democracy. In experienced democracies like one in United States, every president will get a second chance to prove his ability. India has a peculiar mindset. If we cannot see the change within a short period of time, we start digging out the weaknesses of the leader and we, along with the media ensure that the elected leader will spend rest of his tenure in proving that he is innocent. Where does he get time to change the lives around? Exceptional development in media has fueled the political crisis.

Looking at Mr. Modi's winning strategy and Gujarat verdict, its pretty clear that Indian voters are matured, they know whom to vote if they want the real change. They can clearly understand who can change their lives. Mr. Modi's strategy is understandable if we put ourself in his shoes. His strategy of "being in the system to change the system" works! India Today has awarded him the best chief minister twice in three years. Apart from the controversy that he always generated due to his staunch support of Hindutva, he is also regarded as an excellent administrator. Considering Indian context, we don't need chief ministers who are just good statesmen, we need chief ministers who can understand the country side India and provide them required benefits which brings the equality in the society.Lets not follow the lines of media to project communal characteristics of Mr. Modi, that may be his winning strategy. His association with RSS might have created controversies but that has made him live a disciplined life and given him exceptionally great organizing skills[...]. He was a back-door operator for his party before he became chief minister, now he managed to be front runner only because of his exceptional political skills and charismatic characters. On the top, he may look like a chauvinist, but who cares as long as he does good work? Lets feel good about his good work in Gandhigaon, the Gujarat. He has created his own style of administering the state in a much better way than any other chief minister in the country. I call it Modigiri! Hope this Modigiri in Gandhigaon can change the lives around!

Thursday, December 20, 2007

I think the recent Lead India campaign by Times of India (TOI) group is reflecting the changed mindset of young in urban India. From "Chalta hain" to "Desperate desire for change". Well, I am convinced that it failed to draw attention in rural India. Its understandable from TOI point of view. Nevertheless, it showcases one common source of inspiration for today's young blood, both in urban and rural India. That is, "Only YOU can do it, if you want to do it." Take a look at this video.

What we somehow need is just a simple thought which ignites the can do attitude. I have met and interacted with some people who believe that the "thought" itself is so powerful, it makes things to fall on place to see that "thought" a reality! In other words, "if you pursue your dreams, the universe will conspire with you to make it happen [Paulo Coelho in Alchemist]". SRK too says the same thing, "Kehte hain agar kisi cheez ko agar dil se chaho to saari kayanath tumhe usse milane ki koshish me lag jaati hai, [Om Shanti Om]". When we think of changing the society or a nation, the first thing which comes in our mind is our own picture which can be portrayed besides the pictures of national heroes. And the next question which comes to our mind is how to be like that? Immediately, the answer follows, 'No, you just can't do such a big thing!'. Why? Our subconscious mind says, "I have seen so many people doing that and still eating the words of same people whom you want to serve!". What I could understand from Lead India campaign and its vision is that, It's not "YOU" who can change, but "your thought" and "initiative", which can inspire the lives around you and motivate them to work for common goal, that is, "to change the lives around". And that thought of yours is the "YOU" in Lead India slogan "Only YOU can do it, if you want to do it."

Sunday, December 16, 2007

ASSAM reported its most shameful incident in recent times on November 24 when a teenaged adivasi girl, stripped naked by some youth during mob violence, ran for dear life on a street in Guwahati with her attackers chasing her in full public view. The girl, a Class X student from Biswanth Chariali in Sonitpur district in northern Assam, pleaded with her attackers for mercy, but in vain. A middle-aged man finally came to her rescue and offered her his own clothes to cover herself. Local newspapers even published pictures of an assailant kicking her private parts, which was subsequently shown by television news channels. - Frontline, December 08-21, 2007.

Such an inhuman act can happen only when our society is still inhuman. Struggle for existence and a better life is not new for mankind. Bloodiest battles in the past were fought for the very reason 'to exist and to be able to exist in a better way'. When there is no equality, struggle for existence and a better life becomes obvious and so is the tribal/adivasi movements.

Assam Adivasi rebellion is not new, its roots can be traced to Santal Rebellion in 1855. Tribal groups lost their land to money lenders and traders, outsiders encroached their lands, they lost their forest - greatest source of their livelihood during the process of modernization and development, the construction of railways worsened their misery. The railway contractors used brute force to employ them cheaply on construction work and even kidnapped and raped Santal women. The railways even took away the grains produced by Santals and created food shortage. Silent protest of Santals until 1855 did not help at all. They started attacking Zamindars and money lenders, disrupted rail traffic. They even beheaded Mahesh Lal Dutta, a policeman for harassing one of their men. The Santal declared the end of company rule and proclaimed Santal Raj.

Santals' guerilla war tactics with bows and arrows were no match to the superior British troops. The British army of over thousand troops equipped with modern firearms and war elephants attacked Santals and it is estimated that atleast 15,000 (fifteen thousand) Santals were killed in the army action. Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu the legendary leaders of the revolt were hanged. The day of rebellion is still celebrated among the Santal community with great respect and spirit for the thousands of the Santal martyrs who sacrificed their lives along with their two celebrated leaders in their glorious albeit unsuccessful attempt to win freedom from the rule of the zamindars and the British operatives[wiki].

More over, after the annexation of Assam from Burma (Myanmar), the British colonial administration started tea plantations on a large scale in the region. Very soon India became one of the largest exporter of tea to the western world. Obviously this created a shortage of labours in the tea gardens. The Tea District Labour Association, constituted under the Tea District Emigrant Labour Act of 1932, started recruiting labour from six labour-surplus provinces – Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, Central Provinces, United Provinces and Madras. The labourers thus brought into Assam had a trying time. The agents, known as free contractors, enticed them with secure employment, good wages and healthy habitation. But what the labourers got was a raw deal. The mortality rate among them became high. The abuse of the free contractors was so grave that it met with protests from various quarters [frontline].

The exploitation, deprivation and treachery continues to exist even today in the tribal regions of our country. If Adivasis in Assam are demanding for better life (the Scheduled Tribe status), there is nothing new in it. The tribal groups are struggling for better life from over 150 (yes! hundred and fifty) years. Their struggle took a new shape with the vote bank politics. Democracy and education enabled tribal groups to realize their rights. And hence the seeds of hope and the better life were sown in the hearts of tribal and adivasi community. "Their recent struggle to gain Scheduled Tribe (ST) status is bound to give new verve to the adivasi struggle for empowerment and may help it to come out of the deadening groove of vote bank politics, the immeadiate need is to address the social and economic issues which continue to plague [EPW]" the tribal and adivasi communities.

Some of the News channels like NDTV declared on November 25th that, the recent adivasi revolt was a clear case of age-old enmity between the Assamese and the Adivasis whom the former thinks as "coolies". It would be wrong to see the issues as Assamese-Adivasis confrontation. The problem is more of socio-economic rather than ethnic. Both the government and leaders of tribal/adivasi groups should realize this and should come to the negotiation table and solve the problem.

Monday, December 10, 2007

Few of my friends who have subscribed to my blog asked me if I have stopped blogging altogether! I told them I was on fire (in office). Yes, actually I was. For the first time in my life I could spend 48 hours with just 3+ hrs of sleep. After all the circus, when I got into the bed, I suddenly felt, shit! What did I achieve by doing so much? I took some time to convince myself that, Yeah, some times shit happens! I truly realized what it means to be on fire. I think I have discovered myself a bit more.

It gives an immense pleasure when we just finish what we wanted to. At that point of time we are completely engulfed in oblivion. When I put myself in between that point of oblivion and the point of normalcy, I find an unbelievable agony of the reality. Because, that is the only point where you can ask yourself, “What did I achieve by doing that?” Did it help your loved one feel better? Did it actually change some one’s life? Before doing something, I have a (bad?) habit of thinking about such questions. Probably I am one among those few who believe that the ‘Just Do it!’ thing sux! The moment I feel I know something, it doesn’t take much time to realize that I know nothing about it. The moment I feel, Yes! I actually solved someone's problem; it doesn’t take much time to realize that there are hundreds who are still facing the same problem! The moment I make some one smile, it doesn’t take much time to realize that there are thousand faces without smile. I am finding myself in no man's land. I am confused. The world I perceive is drastically simplified model of the real world. Can some one tell me why are you doing what you are doing?

Thursday, October 25, 2007

I have been following Indo-US nuclear deal drama quite seriously and I feel I was bit biased when i wrote "Left should look right!" and "Breaking the Impasse". The United State's future Vision and its "Strategic Partnership" with India is now becoming more and more clear. Nicholas Burns, the US under secretary of states for political affairs, said, "Within a generation Americans may view India as one of our two or three most important strategic partners". How Indians would view the US? Its becoming quite clear from Left's right against Nuclear deal!

Indian government must be thinking of a serious business with Americans from little over 3-4 years. But Americans have a vision and strategy behind their cooperation with India. Almost a decade back neither Indians nor Americans had a friendly view of each other. But the new approach towards each other began recently. When US President Bill Clinton visited India in March 2000, both the nations came to conclusion that "they have a common interest and complimentary responsibility for ensuring regional and international security". Bush Administration shared the same view and was successful in negotiating the concrete new agreement for strategic partnership. More over a senior US officials declared,

The goal of US is to help India become a major world power in the 21st century.

To create an "Alliance of Democracies". (Is that to fight against anti democratic forces? Don't you remember China and for some extent Pakistan?)

"To develop doctrine, promote joint training and planning and enhance inter-operability among its member militaries". ( Don't you remember Malabar series of naval exercises, joint Air Force training, purchase of weapons and aircrafts from US?)

"The Alliance of democracies' ultimate goal would be for it to play a role akin to what NATO did for its member during the cold war!", said Ivo Daalder, an advisor to Barack Obama.

If US wants to help India become a super power in the 21st century, okay thats fine, but why? doesn't US need something in return? Its quite foolish not think about the other side. What does US want from India? According to Ashton Carter, assistant secretary of defence in the Clinton Administration,

"Washington should expect to have India's help in curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions, even if India's assistance would risk compromising its friendly relations with Iran". This is evident from US pressure over Indo-Iran relations.

"The US will want India's assistance in dealing with a range of dangerous contingencies involving Pakistan". Don't you notice the shifting of natural inclination of US from Pakistan to India?

"Down the line US might also want India to serve as a counterweight to China". Quite obvious, only India (among other third world countries) has an ability to challenge China.

"Cooperation of India in humanitarian interventions, peacekeeping missions, and post-conflict reconstruction efforts (don't you remember Afghanistan and Iraq story? Don't you think US has a desire to use India if US invades Iran?) and most importantly, "operations not mandated by or commanded by the United Nations, operations in which India has historically refused to participate!".

"US military forces may also seek access to strategic locations through Indian territory and perhaps basing rights there. Ultimately, India could even provide US forces with 'over-the-horizon' bases for contingencies in the middle east".

Has this gamble of romancing with India in a strategic way has already started? Yes it has! US says "India is our top market". Why? India is now the second largest buyer of weapons in the third world, and responsible for about 12% of arms purchases. India signed arms deal for about $3.5 billion in 2006. It may spend some $40 billion on weapons purchase over the next five years. India has almost agreed for the purchase of 126 jet fighters with a possible price tag of $10 billion[Source EPW, Oct 13, 2007]. And now, with these deals, India has put US in drivers seat and "India is (arguably) being told to chose, in the classic phrase, our way or the highway"[EPW].

If we look at the flip side of the story, Its quite interesting to know that the world is looking at India as a next generation super power. India must play a balancing role in arresting growing international pressure (like what US is attempting to do) and find its own way to become a super power. Indo-US nuclear deal is the good lesson being learned by India and it should try to mitigate the consequences in the best interests of the Nation. Thanks to the democratic culture that we have developed over past six decades for providing (healthy?) debate over every issue like the nuclear deal. Indian democracy has yet again demonstrated what democracy means to the nation and its interests in the contemporary international context.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Dear Friends, Twenty years back, on October 17th, 1987, over hundred thousand people gathered on the Human Rights and Liberties Plaza at the Trocadéro in Paris, the place where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed in 1948, to honour victims of poverty, hunger, violence and fear. That historic day is now being celebrated as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. People gathered there proclaimed that poverty is a violation of human rights and affirmed the need to come together to ensure that these rights are respected. These convictions are inscribed in a commemorative stone unveiled on this day[...]. It says,

Wherever men and women are condemned to live in extreme poverty, human rights are violated. To come together to ensure that these rights be respected is our solemn duty

Since then, people of all backgrounds, beliefs and social origins have gathered every year on October 17th to renew their commitment and show their solidarity with the poor. Replicas of the commemorative stone have been unveiled around the world and serve as a gathering place to celebrate the Day. [Click here to see UN Page on this].

In 1992, United Nations officially recognized October 17th as International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Yet another ritual day? "One-third of all people (without access to water) fall below the $1-a-day absolute poverty threshold. Another third live on no more than $2 a day"[...]. That means, There are 1.2 billion people living without access to safe drinking water, 2.6 billion people without access to sanitation[Human Development Report 2006]. Do you know that every human being needs at least 20 litres of water per day? Of those 1.2 billion people, most of them gets only about 5 litres per day, that is one-tenth of the average daily amount used in rich countries to flush toilets. On an average, people in Europe use more than 200 litres per day, in United States the figure is more than 400 litres. When an European person flushes a toilet or an American person showers, he or she is using more water than what is available to hundreds of millions of individuals living in urban slums or arid areas of the developing countries[Source, Yojana]. In Africa, out of 630 million people, 420 million people fall below poverty line. On the other hand, out of 1130 million people in OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries, there is not even a single citizen earning less than 1$ per day!! (HDR 2005).

Check out this Video, The African Dream: Ending Extreme Poverty

Why? Why do we have such inequalities? Is Darwin's principle of "Survival of the fittest" still applicable to the mankind? Why some section of the population still feel that there is a "Struggle for existence"? These questions remain unanswered as long as the poverty becomes history.

Do you think the world is not doing anything to make poverty history? Of course it is doing something, but its not good enough. United Nations gave the highest priority to 'Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger' in its Millennium Development Goals. As a result of this, All the member nations have a legal obligation to to fulfill this goal. "The International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank that helps the earth’s poorest countries reduce poverty by providing interest-free loans and grants for programs aimed at boosting economic growth and improving living conditions". There are thousands of NGOs and private organizations dedicated to eradicate extreme poverty. There are some richest charitable organizations like Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (B&MGF) to fund for the noble cause. There are generous tycoons like Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, NarayanMurthy, AzimPremjiand others who are contributing millions of dollars to help the helpless. Many countries are finding out innovative public policies to eradicate poverty. For example, National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme in India, AGETIP - employment programs in Africa (with the help of the World Bank, German development co-operation and other donors).

In spite of all that, why do we still continue to see poverty in our society? There is a lack of collective action from all of us. Because of this, some people, notably the poor are systematically denied the life with dignity. What can we do? "STAND UP and SPEAK OUT against poverty and refuse to stay silent or seated in the face of poverty". "Educate and Organize" the "actual poor" to make their life beautiful. Help as much as you can. Your help is not a charity, Its a justice to the poor. Lets learn to share what we have.

Saturday, October 13, 2007

The Recent 'Marriage-Honeymoon-Divorce' story of Janata Dal (Secular), Bharatiya Janata Party in Karnataka demonstrated the worst form of coalition politics in the history of Indian Democracy. Blatant betrayal of mutually agreed principles, political opportunism, nepotism, corruption, were evident from the few days political tamasha. JD(S), ideologically a secular party, first betrayed the trust of Congress in 2006 to join hands with the communal party (BJP), which is against its fundamental political ideology. After enjoying the political honeymoon for 20 months, JD(S) was yet again shamelessly looking towards Congress' support just to get into the corridors of power. When the hopes of outside support from Congress was dramatically turned down by the high command, Power hungry politicians yet again made an attempt for remarriage between JD(S) and BJP!

Thanks to Governor Shri Rameshwar Thakur who has shown a non partisan character in exercising his constitutional duties (Recommending President's rule at the right time). If Mr.Kumaraswamy had agreed to go for floor test (an exercise of testing whether the chief minister has majority support in the house/floor of the assembly) on October 18th, or if BJP had made a serious attempt to form a government at last minute, the Governor could have faced a dilemma of whether to recommend the President's rule or not. In either case Governor's impartiality and commitment to constitutionalism would have been put to a serious test. Because, there could have been a peculiar situation of government formation before President's rule and the dissolution of the Assembly! In the 60 years history of Indian Democracy, many governors have blatantly misused the Constitutional power under the Article 356. Until 1967 there were no conflicting opinions about Governor's role in the states since Congress enjoyed an absolute majority in all most all the states. But 1967 general elections reduced Congress into a minority in eight states! This posed new challenges to the Governor. For example, If there is no clear majority in the state legislature, should Governor invite the leader from single largest party or should he invite the leader from the opposition party or should he invite the leader from group of parties to form the government? Such questions made Governor's discretionary powers more powerful and equally controversial.

When Mr. Venkat Subbaiah was the Governor of Karnataka in 1989, he dismissed the Chief Minister S. R. Bommai without even giving an opportunity for floor test to prove the majority. Mr. Bommai appealed against governor's blatant action in the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court in its historic March 1994 judgment in S. R. Bommai vs. Union of India case declared that in the midst of conflicting political claims, a floor test in the Assembly (as opposed to a head count in the Raj Bhavan) is the only legitimate way of ascertaining who has the majority. Thus the blatant misuse of Article 356 (Power of President's rule in the states) was considerably curtailed. Further, Supreme Court in its January 2006 judgment on the Bihar Assembly Dissolution case declared that horse trading cannot be the basis of invoking Article 356 to bring the State under President's rule. (In May 2005, the Governor of Bihar, Mr. Buta Singh recommended the President's rule in Bihar stating that the decision was to prevent horse-trading and formation of government through foul means. However the actual intention was to prevent Mr.Nitish Kumar of Janata Dal (United) to form government, which was clearly the intention of the center! Later Mr. Nitish Kumar went on to win the Assembly elections and became the Chief Minister of Bihar!). Yet another worst case was seen in Goa in 1994. In 1994, the Governor of Goa, Mr. Bhanu Pratap Singh, dismissed the CM of Goa though the CM D'Souza enjoyed the majority in the Goa assembly. Later the Governor even administered the oath of office to D'Souza's closest rival Mr. Ravi Naik. After this event the governor was dismissed unceremoniously!

Why do we see such unethical and partisan behavior of Governors in one of the most respected democracy in the world? The reasons could be,

Choosing the governors from among the active politicians.

Appointment of governors without even consulting the state's Chief minister.

Loyalty of the Governor to the party ruling at the center (If the ruling party in state is different from that in center).

Direct interaction of the governor with the state officials by passing the CM and his council of ministers.

In the interest of the center-state relations its very important that the governor's post has to be kept away from the partisan politics. "Sarkaria Commission" recommended various measures to curtail the partisan behavior of Governor.

He should not be from the state where he is going to be the governor. (This recommendation is being followed).

It is preferable not to appoint the active politicians as governors. This is not being followed. For example, The Governor of Maharashtra, Mr.S.M. Krishna was an active politician, in fact he was the CM of Karnataka, before he became governor.

CM of the state must be consulted before appointing the governor. (This is not always followed, especially when the party ruling the state and the center are different).

Governor's power to forward the bills to president (under Article 200) should be limited. (Not implemented).

Not all the recommendations of Sarkaria Commission are implemented by government. Recent Goa crisis, earlier political uncertainties in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chattisghar, Assam and many other states have clearly indicated that there is an urgent need to observe the recommendations made by Sarkaria Commission and also to keep the Governor's post away from partisan Politics. Karnataka Governor Shri Rameshwar Thakur's action seems to be healthy and commendable. Now that the fun games are effectively over in Karnataka, going to the people for a fresh mandate is the only course available"[The Hindu, October 10, 2007]. The election commission and the center should ensure fair elections in the state as soon as possible.

Sunday, September 30, 2007

Life can be celebrated to the fullest only when we have enough happiness packed in our heart. We come to this planet without even knowing that god has sent us here with tremendous love and affection packed in our mother's heart. "The joy and celebration of our parents had no bounds when we came here to start our journey[...], they were on top of the world!" Not all of us are lucky enough to come here without any disabilities. There are people who have come to this planet without an ability to see, to hear, to speak, to walk, and there are few who have started this journey of life with a hole in their heart. As soon as they started turning blue in color [because of hole in the heart], their parents "were devastated and could not understand why they were being punished in this way. They had no choice but to accept the inevitable reality and decided to give the best possible medical care." One can imagine the face of a mother who hand over a 10 day old child to the operation theatre nurse. She must have thought that she is is handing over the most precious gift of god. There comes a heart surgeon who completes the love triangle between the father and mother with the blue baby at the centre![....] Dr. Devi Shetty, well known for forming thousands of such love triangles and saving thousands of blue babies and children with heart disease.

What if parents cannot afford the surgery to their blue baby? Who is going to save their precious gift of god? Unfortunately, "Money" is the answer, but for some people, Dr. Devi Shetty is the only answer. India produces largest number of children in the world and obviously it produces largest no of children with heart diseases. The whole of US produces twenty two thousand children with heart disease where as India produces three hundred thousand children with heart disease! India requires 2.5 million heart surgeries a year but India does only 60,000 heart surgeries a year.

Madayya, a little boy from a village in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka was carrying a hole in his heart for five years! His father begged the doctors in a government hospital to save his son but insufficient infrastructure in government hospital brought him down. Though Bangalore is just 185km from Chamarajanagar, for Madayya's father, it is world away. But it did not stop him from speaking to a savior. He spoke to Dr. Devi Shetty through Telemedicine center set up by Dr. Shetty in the nearest government hospital. Dr. Shetty's team took personal interest to rescue the child and Madayya was immediately brought to Narayana Hrudayalaya, Bangalore, Dr. Shetty's "temple" to save heart patients. Madayya was treated free of cost and today he is celebrating his life just like you and me![Click here for complete story] Helping the poor with compassion is the biggest thing for Dr. Devi Shetty. He believe that if a solution is not affordable, then it is not a solution. He has a vision of providing every Indian child with a same medical care as to a child in America!

Dr. Shetty says, “If I am given a choice I would like to treat only poor patients. But unfortunately the economic reality does not allow me to do that." He is the man who charged the rich more and served the poor free of cost. "Technology gives the rich what they already have but it gives the poor what they can never dream of having. Poor people in isolation are weak but together they are very strong." This simple thought gave birth to the novel idea, "Yeshasvini Micro Health Insurance", a joint venture between ISRO, Narayana Hrudayalaya and Karnataka State Co-operation Dept. In the first 20 months of 'Yeshasvini', 85,000 farmers had free medical treatment, 22,000 farmers had free surgeries, 1400 farmers had heart surgeries; all for just five rupees per month!!! Dr. Shetty also founded "Arogya Raksha Yojana", a joint venture of Narayana Hrudayalaya, Biocon and ICICI to provide free OPD consultation, cashless surgical facility, diagnostics at discounted rates.

Dr. Devi Shetty has not only envisioned the health care system in India, he has also set up the world class state of the art health care facilities at Narayana health city. The health city also houses a center for neurosciences, a children's hospital, a cancer research centre and general hospital. Patient inflow to Narayana health city is not only from within India, but also from neighboring countries like Pakistan, Bangaldesh. He has a rare distinction of treating Mother Teresa. He has won many awards and recognitions but what makes him really great is, his "Compassionate character." In my opinion Mother Teresa was the first person who identified this character when she said (to Dr. Shetty), "Now I know why you are here. To relieve the agony of children with heart disease, God sent you to this world to fix it."

Dear Friends, today, 30th September 2007, is "The World Heart Day", Lets celebrate the success of Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty - The King of Hearts.

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

What makes India Vs Pakistan matches so special? Pressure, excitement, standing on the edge, nail biting experience and above all the battle of nerves! An exciting fact is that India has always defeated Pakistan in World Cup tournaments except the Champions Trophy match! Throughout the India-Pakistan match, the pendulum of victory keep on swinging to and fro either from India to Pakistan or vice versa. Fans from every corner of the world stands on their toe to experience the oblivion, especially at the end. What if the match between them is the final of world championship? huh... fans will be on cloud #9. Oops, not really, it should be cloud #Twenty20 now! The Twenty20 final was the dream final and was most exciting in the history of world cricket championship. That was a match worth watching, a moment that will remain very fresh for the rest of our lives. Cricket crazy fans in the subcontinent still believe that "if cricket is a religion then players are their gods!".

But why the arch rivals' matches are regarded as greatest in the history, rating even above the Ashes series? The roots of these sentiments can be traced in the infamous partition way back in 1947. Undivided India then, was partitioned not just geographically, but also on religious and cultural basis. Not only that, the Kashmir conflict fueled the rivalry between the two countries. Even today, some Indian fans think that, "Even if India loose the series, it should not loose against Pakistan." History of India Pakistan matches just didn't produce results but something more. For instance, Frog Jumping incident of Javid Miandad in 1992 world cup. Javid Midandad, some people say, a bad boy of cricket, for once miffed by the verbals from Indian wicket keeper Kiran More and his excessive appeal for a sharp run out chance, where Miandad closely survived. Miandad started jumping up and down like a frog, imitating Kiran More's appeal! A sight to behold. Pure comedy. Pakistan loses the match but go on to win the cup[Best Cricket Sledgings Ever]. Watch this video here.

Even more exciting was Aamir Sohail - Venkatesh Prasad episode in 1996 world cup. Chasing 287 runs in the quarter finals in Bangalore was never easy. Sohail gave a sizzling start but he could not hold his nerves. He was literally destroying the Indian bowlers especially Venkatesh Prasad. He slashed the Prasad's ball over vacant off side area and the ball disappeared into the fence in a flash. Sohail didn't keep his cool. After hitting the shot, he pointed his bat at the area where the bowl had disappeared and then towards Prasad apparently gesturing where he will send the next one. Next ball, Sohail's off stump was flying in the air! "The comeback was truly remarkable, almost a miracle. Prasad has bowled thousands of deliveries and taken hundereds of wickets in his career but, it was this one granted him a place in the History of Indian Cricket[...]." Watch this here.

The list of such incidents and verbal exchanges are never ending. There was a time when India-Pakistan match was lost, the players of the loosing team disappeared for few days just to escape from the angry fans! In recent times India and Pakistan cricket teams are playing with the true spirit of the game. We don't see unusual dramas(like above) on the field except the bat and ball drama. Now a days fans are just sitting back and enjoying the game. We can witness India and Pakistan flags flying together in stadium. Recent Twenty20 world cup final match was played with the great cricketing spirit. Thanks to the leaders of two counties, the relationship between India and Pakistan are improving after 1999 Kargil Conflict. The India-Pakistan matches are becoming a symbol of brotherhood, a symbol of eternal fraternity, a symbol of rebuilding the peace in the subcontinent.

Sunday, September 23, 2007

Couple of weeks back when i wrote "Poverty Talk - A new fashion", one of my friend commented, "...bottom line is that everyone is selfish and self-centered. we love just ourselves; god bless....[Click here to see all comments]." In my view, his comments are very strong; they reflect the feelings of people who keep on saying, "dude, be practical". I struggled to satisfy him with my answer, but desi style of replying to his comments could have been better, "ज़िंदगी जीने के सिर्फ दो ही तरीके होते है। एक, जो हो रहा है होने दो, बरदाश्त करते जाओ। या फिर जिम्मेदारी उठाओ उसे बदलने की। [There are only two ways to lead your life - Either, let things happen in their own way, keep tolerating it. Or, take responsibility to change it.]"[Rang De Basanti]. We can see two diametrically opposite perceptions of one's own life. One is being "practical" and another being (not so practical or) "exceptional". I tried to understand both the view points with the human angle, with compassion, with acceptance, but i found it extremely difficult to justify any of the choices. Every individual's perceptions and priorities define his/her choice. If one's priority is, for example, to earn money, obviously he tends to find a "practical" way of life; if the priority is to help others, apparently he/she finds a way that may end up to be "exceptional".

Given a choice which one do you accept? "practical" or "Exceptional"? Lets look at the "practical" point of view. Allow me to put it in this way, "The world you perceive is drastically simplified model of the real world. No matter how much we try to fight against the evil, the evil prevails. So why bother about the change? One person cannot change the mindset of billion people, we just have one life, lets just live our life to the fullest, that doesn't even affect the way this world moves on." Does this sound true? If you think it does, hold on, may be thats just your perception. Look at the flip side, the "Exceptional" way, We keep on dwelling on the myth that we cannot change the lives around, If we cannot change ourselves, then there is a little chance that we can change the nation either. Lets make the beginning by changing ourselves. Throwing the waste in dust bin rather than throwing it on foot path could be the beginning. When Jemshetji Tata decided to manufacture steel in India, the British steel manufacturers refused to help him and ridiculed him saying that if Indians would make steel, Britishers would eat it! But Tatas made a beginning in 1907 by setting up Tata Steel. Today, Tatas and Mittals are dictating the world steel market! Shaheed Bhagat Singh made a revolutionary beginning in Indian independence movement by deciding to end his life. What was the price? Death, martyrdom; result? Freedom of a nation! Why was freedom so important to Bhagat Singh? Where did he get all the courage to say that "..by crushing one man, the nation cannot be crushed..?", by sacrificing his life, how could he "make the deaf hear?" Well, He just made a right choice(not to be "practical")! which in turn made him "exceptional".

Did Bhagat Singh try to justify his "Exceptional" path? In a letter to Sukhdev, Bhagat Singh said, "...I cannot help arguing once again my case in the matter under discussion [revolutionary nationalism rather than being a typical Gandhian]. Again I do emphasize that I am full of ambition and hope and of full charm of life. But I can renounce all at the time of need, and that is the real sacrifice...[Click here to see the full text]." For those who questioned his ideas, he said, "..very soon the final battle will begin. Its outcome will be decisive. We (Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev) took part in the struggle and we are proud of having done so..[in a letter to jail superintendent, few days before his execution ]." His martyrdom ignited the spirit of freedom movement. His vision of seeing freedom a reality did come true, but he was not around to see that. Even today, his very name gives a lightening effect in the hearts of millions!

We must have lost him, but his ideas, his passionate struggle for freedom, his fearless attitude are immortal . In the leaflet he threw in the Central Assembly on 8th April 1929, he stated that, "It is easy to kill individuals but you cannot kill the ideas. Great empires crumbled while the ideas survived"[...], such is the power of thought! You think of something strongly, things fall on place to see that thought a reality! "Every morning when we wake up, we have two choices, either to be in a good mood or to be in a bad mood, lets choose to be in a good mood. Each time something bad happens, we can choose to be a victim or we can choose to learn from it, lets choose to learn from it. Each time some one comes to us complaining about everything and says we cannot change the lives around, we again have two choices; either choose to be "practical" or choose to point out the positive side of changing the lives around; lets choose to point out the positive side of changing the lives around!"[...] Only that choice can pay the true tribute to "The Legend", Bhagat Singh.

Dear friends, 27th September 2007 is 100th birth anniversary of Shaheed Bhagat Singh [September 27, 1907–March 23, 1931, Some historians say that 28th September is the actual birthday, but 27th September is widely accepted]. Lets celebrate his birth centenary with pure and intense spirit and by making a right beginning!

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

India has already tasted political uncertainty and mid term polls in the past; for example, 1991 and 1999 general elections. In 1991, Congress played a key role to throw Janata Dal govt out of power. Again in 1999, Congress succeeded in winning "No Confidance Motion" but failed to come to power. In both the times, Congress was responsible for mid term polls. Ironically this time, it is congress who is facing the problem! This time it is "Left" who has the capacity to throw Congress out of power!

But why? Is it because Left's pro-China stance or anit-American stance? Left leader D.Raja [In a Discussion, "The Bigt Fight", NDTV] has openly said that its the anti-American factor that is influencing Left to pull out the support to UPA govt. Some political pundits feel that Left is following a pro-China policy by opposing Nuclear deal and Malabar 2007 Naval Exercise also. Why Left did not oppose Malabar 2005 joint naval exercise in such a capacity as we are seeing in 2007? When Raksha Mantri Shri Pranab Mukharjee visited US from 27-30 June 2005, A new Freamework for Indo-US defense Relations was agreed. This agreement laid the framework for Indo-US defence relations for next 10 years. Left was fully aware of these facts, yet there was no opposition. More over India and US held many meetings to discuss Defence policies, for example, Seventh meeting of India-US Defence Policy group (DPG) was held in Washington DC on 21-23 November 2005, Defence Procurement and Production Group held its first meeting in Washington DC on 21 November 2005 and again in March 2006. Again, left was fully aware of all these facts, yet there was no opposition. When our Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh visited US in July 2005 and when President Bush visited India in March 2006, the two leaders signed major agreements related to Civilian Nuclear Energy Cooperation. Left was fully aware these facts, yet there was no opposition! Why suddenly left is making so much of noise in political arena? Its the time for left to look at right things in the National interests.

More over BJP has been creating a unhealthy environment in the parliament by adjournment motions in the house on every other day. It is worth noting that it was in BJP lead NDA government's time that the idea of "Civilian nuclear deal with US" was floated. BJP did not take it forward because of the apprehension that it may become an election issue in 2004! Now, ironically when Congress lead UPA has put all its efforts to see that dream a reality, its BJP which is opposing the the deal that too with the conflicting reason that the deal affects "National Security" and "Influences our foreign policy"!

Already media is speculating about mid term polls in the country. The nuclear deal is no longer a problem for Congress to fight elections. Because, most of the Indians especially in rural area do not even understand the deal! Congress has already excelled with its innovative policies like Right to Information, National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS), most importantly Rajinder Sachar Committee's report on the status of Muslims. The next general election, whenever it is held, will be fought on "Bread and Butter" issues, no matter what happens to the nuclear deal!

Sunday, September 2, 2007

When a beautiful Bollywood babe talks about "poverty in India", it becomes a top story in page 3; when a politician gives assurances of poverty alleviation, it makes headlines; when the "contemporary" youth talk about poverty, 'really nice guys' tag is fixed on their foreheads; But when the poor man shouts about his inability to feed his family, no matter how louder it is, no one hears! Couple of days back one of my friend was talking on and on about poverty, poor people, "rich" Indian culture, corruption, and so on. After some time I told him, "there are very few celebrities who really feel the pain of this "poverty evil" and who silently does lot of contribution. There are some celebrities who need a nice photo with orphan children when they visit orphanage, which category you belong to?" I do not blame him. He is still "a nice guy". Only things is, his knowledge about poverty is superficial and that too it is influenced by the media hype. I thought about this incident over and over again. I was convinced that, today, if you talk about poverty alleviation, you can be sure of drawing attention of the public. Thats exactly what our politicians do. No wonder why they come up with new poverty alleviation programs with catchy slogans just before the elections. The question here is, "Is talking about poverty a new fashion?"

Speaking is one aspect, but doing "something" is what we need. Most of us are fed up of hearing "there are still more than 300 million people below poverty line", "27% of India's population lives below poverty line", "govt has to do something about poverty alleviation" and more interesting statement is "this is politics, nothing much can be done!". I believe we should be bit more rationalistic when we make such statements. Its not fair if we just carried away by the media hype. What have we done in last 60 years to get rid of poverty? Is it right to pass on the blame to the govt? Is our govt really committed in implementing its poverty alleviation programmes? Very few people know that govt has done a decent job by introducing many innovative programmes right from 1950s. [Click here to see all programmes]. For example consider the recent National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) of 2005. This programme guarantees rural household 100 days of work every year. It is already operational in 330 districts across the country. According to The Hindu [Editorial, August 25, 2007], "While failures and disasters tend to hog media attention, there are several success stories. Tamil Nadu shows the largest participation of women at 81%. In Rajasthan, where public awareness of NREGA is quite high, the programme generated as many as 77 days of employement per rural household in 2006-07. A recent field survey in Chhattisgarh (Surguja and Koriya Districts) found that most families have 'job cards'; contractors have disappeared; minimum wages are being paid; corruption levels have gone down; and employment is being generated on massive scale."

But YES, there are few drawbacks on the other side. In some Programmes like Community Development Programme, Integrated Rural Development Programme, Indira Awas Yojana, Samll and medium farmers' development Agencies programme, Jawahar Rojgar Yojana, etc, not all the identified beneficiaries received the assistance. Why? Here are few reasons

Some of these programmes are implemented without testing their local suitability.

There were problems in identifying the "actual poor".

Lack of awareness about the programmes.

Lack of meticulous planning.

Lack of funding or some times the lapse of govt funds due to the unawareness of funds.

Lack of publicity etc..

In totality, most programmes intended to alleviate poverty have revealed new drawbacks. Every Programme implemented has shown how the resources can be misused. The Process of poverty alleviation programmes is facing an endless phase of experimentation. Now that we have learnt invaluable lessons from the past failures in implementing the poverty alleviation programmes, we must focus on overcoming the obstacles and succeeding in "changing the lives around".

Okay, all said and done, what can we do? "Some of the programmes like NREGA are invaluable initiatives that need to be stabilised, strengthened, and taken forward". Now that we have Right To Information (RTI) Act implemented, we have a huge potential to make a real difference to the lives of the rural poor. There is an urgent need to create an awareness about these programmes in rural areas. Media can be a crucial factor in this task. We need to "Educate and Organize" the "actual poor" to get the benefits out of public funds. If we still do not succeed even after "Educating and organizing", there is a democratic way of "Agitating" to get the work done! Lets talk about poverty to create an awareness about all these factors, lets talk about poverty to get rid of it and lets not make this "Poverty talk" a new fashion.

Friday, August 24, 2007

Growing energy demand in Indian economy have raised questions on impact of global energy availability. "Over heating" Indian economy need to overcome the "energy hunger" in order to realize its dream to become "developed nation by 2020". India has planned to increase its nuclear power generation capacity from 4,000 MWe to 20,000 MWe in the next decade. To Achieve this target, Indo-US nuclear deal will be the hot cake for India. What will US gain from helping India? Well, U.S. will provide access to civilian nuclear technology and access to nuclear fuel in exchange for IAEA-safeguards on civilian Indian reactors. More over, U.S. also expects that such a deal could spur India's economic growth and bring in $150 billion in the next decade for nuclear power plants, of which the US wants a share!

After all, who will gain/loose more? India or US? Thats the tricky question. Left is dwelling on this question to justify its stand (to oppose the deal), while the main opposition BJP is making some noise in the name of "Threat to National Security". Indian Ambassador to US Mr. Ronen Sen's comments have fueled the fire over nuclear deal . His point is, "With its(India's) advanced nuclear and military capabilities, why should India be afraid of some other nation? Why should India loose such a fantastic opportunity?" Apart from future political consequences, this argument seems to make some 'sense'.

Going through the text of India US agreement for peaceful use of nuclear energy, it seems that India will be the looser if it does not go ahead with the deal. How? The deal seems to be in the true spirit of July 2005 and March 2006 agreements. The deal has the right answer to the following questions.

1. Does the agreement provide India the right to reprocess used fuel?Yes. Under Article 6(iii) of the deal, "India will establish a new national reprocessing facility dedicated to reprocessing safeguarded nuclear material under IAEA safeguards and the Parties will agree on arrangements and procedures under which such reprocessing … will take place in this new facility." Hence, indigenous reprocessing facilities will not come under IAEA safeguards.

2. Does the agreement ensure the continuity of fuel supply? What about right to terminate the fuel supply and right to return the supplied fuel in case of termination of the agreement? "In case of disruption of fuel supplies, the US and India would jointly convene a group of friendly nations such as Russia, France and the United Kingdom to pursue measures to restore fuel supply." This provision is the result of Tarapur experience. (US had offered a nuclear fuel supply to Tarapur atomic energy power plant under 1963's 123 agreement. But after India conducted its nuclear weapon test in 1974, United states withdrew the fuel supply to Tarapur plant. US made an alternative arrangement by asking France to supply the fuel, France too refused to supply the fuel saying that India is not a member of Nuclear Suppliers Group(NSG)! Russia came in to help India and ensured the fuel supply to Tarapur plant) "The agreement will remain in force for 40 years but Article 14.1 under this agreement gives the U.S. the right to terminate the agreement “on one year’s written notice.” It should also provide the reasons for seeking this termination. 14.3 also allows for termination in the event of a violation of the agreement by India. If termination is based on violation of an IAEA safeguards agreement, a “crucial factor” will be whether the IAEA Board of Governors has made a finding of non-compliance"The text of the agreement seems to be providing alternatives and measures to overcome the "unwanted" consequences.

3. Does India need to surrender its right to test a nuclear weapon?Absolutely not! Article 14.2 says the U.S. agrees to “take into account whether the circumstances that may lead to termination or cessation resulted from [India’s] serious concern about a changed security environment or as a response to similar actions by other States which could impact national security.” So, if India conducts a nuclear test as a response to some other countries (like Pakistan, China etc..) it would be treated as response to the threat to the national security and the consequences have to be resolved by peaceful mutual consultations.

4. What about the National Security concerns?Only the civilian nuclear activities come under safeguards and the "experts from US or IAEA" will not be permitted to visit other indigenous nuclear infrastructure / projects. Thus, India can continue with its nuclear research and development projects.

Are there any drawbacks in India-US 123 Agreement compared to other 123 Agreements of US with other countries?Yes. "It has been conveyed to the highest circles in the govt that the 123 agreement with India differs from the one signed by China in one crucial aspect. China managed to incorporate the provision that neither side would invoke the provisions of its internal law as a justification for its failure to observe the principles of a treaty" India too attempted to get this provision incorporated but due to the US opposition, it managed to elicit the assurance (in the 123 agreement) that the deal will be implemented in good faith and in accordance with "International Laws".

This means either India or US can terminate the agreement by invoking their respective domestic laws. So, India can pass an act or amend an existing act (The Atomic Energy Act 1962) to guard against United States' right to return the nuclear material if the agreement is broken. For instance "If the United States say that the Hyde Act would prevail over the 123 agreement on return of material, India can claim that it cannot do so because it has law of its own that does not permit re-export of material or equipment if it affects the functioning of the nuclear plants"[The Hindu].

Thus, the new law or the amendment to Atomic energy act 1962 could be India's answer to the Hyde act and help to address the communist Party of India (Marxist)'s concerns about the deal [CPI(M) argues that right to return the nuclear material will be disastrous for India]. This can break the impasse over the issue of Indo-US nuclear deal. Dr. Manmohan Singh can still be not worried about the drama that is happening over the nuclear deal. Lets wait and see what happens when Dr. Anil Kakodkar goes to Vienna for IAEA meet on Setpember 16th, 2007. Do we see the mid term elections? Time is the only answer!